If a person wanted to start their own electric co....?

Question

how would I go about getting a license to do this? And what's the cost?

Answer 1

For any energy company in the United States you need obtain something called a Proof of Need or something like that, that proves there is an unfulfilled need for the power you are generating.

Pretty tough to come by I've heard, unless you are using renewables.

Answer 2

Start with your state government.  It will be very expensive.

Ever try to get a building permit from a county?

Multiply that effort by a hundred, then square the answer.

If you have any hope of building a plant, you are going to be hit by environmental wackos.  They will sue for the fun of stopping you.

Many of the lawyers used by the nut jobs in the movement are not paid unless they file a lawsuit.  Expect suits.

When communism fell, the communists and socialists gravitated to the environmental movement.  They seek to inhibit capitalism.  If you try to help people by offering a better service, expect the Reds and their fellow-travelers to block you every chance they get.

Remember, please, even the national government is not on your side.   Congress is run by Democrats.